FROM THE ENCOUNTER TO MADRID. Europe will come to the aid of Finland and Sweden in the event of Russian aggression. Mario Draghi said this during the start of the work on the second day of the NATO summit underway in Madrid, recalling a precise clause of the EU founding Treaty, article 42.7. Which provides for the intervention of European countries in support of a member of the Union victim of a military attack.
A commitment that Draghi recalled in reference to the process of accession to NATO in Finland and Sweden. After the fall of the Turkish veto, the two Scandinavian countries are with one foot in the Atlantic Alliance. “It is a question – argues the prime minister – of a sovereign decision, taken democratically, by two EU countries”, which “with their ability will significantly contribute to the security and defensive mission of the Euro-Atlantic area”.
Once the agreement for the entry of Finland and Sweden has been concluded, after the veto of the Turkish Erdogan has been overcome, a transition phase will now start, in which both will find themselves without the coverage of Article 5 of the NATO Treaty which requires the common aid of the other members. Until they are inside, Helsinki and Stockholm theoretically remain exposed to Moscow’s sights. A risk they have taken by saying goodbye to decades of neutrality, after the indiscriminate invasion of Ukraine, but which is mitigated by the provision of the European Treaty clause.
For Draghi, “the security of Finland and Sweden must not be jeopardized in any way”. Italy, adds the premier, “affirms its determination to contribute as of now to their security and defense needs”. In Madrid, the head of the Italian government, who in the afternoon will have two bilaterals with the Australian and New Zealand premier Anthony Albanese and Jacinda Ardern, should also deepen the announcement made in the morning by the American president Joe Biden, of a displacement also in Italy “of defenses additional areas along with other capabilities ». A formula that indicates a strengthening of means and men on the Italian territory but still all to be clarified.